Whether you're looking for a quiet escape with your partner or a fun family day out, a picnic could be just the ticket! Take in the day and find a nice place to rest, spend some time with those you love, and eat some good packed food while you’re at it. Once you've got your basket packed, consider these three prime spots to lay your checkered blanket in Manhattan Beach: Polliwog Park, the Manhattan Beach Pier, and Bruce’s Beach.

Polliwog ParkPolliwog Park offers many fun activities and diverse areas to lay your blanket down. Find a place by the pond and feed some of the roaming ducks, or find a spot in the ampitheater or playground area. Stretch out on the grass and be able to breathe in this safe environment. Outdoor BBQ grills are also available if you’re feeling more fancy. During the summer, people opt for a picnic dinner as they watch a performance by Shakespeare by the Sea or enjoy one of the Concerts in the Park.

Features of Polliwog Park:- three gazebos- ampitheater- picnic area with BBQ’s- pool- playground (includes one for older and three for smaller children)- botanical garden- 9-hole disc golf course- dog run- curbside parking is available along Redondo Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard

Manhattan Beach & PierThe actual beach of Manhattan Beach offers an expansive view of the ocean, and a lot of space to find a place to picnic. If you’re not feeling like making food yourself, you can grab some to-go from one of the many restaurants located along Manhattan Beach Boulevard (the street going down to the pier) or on any of the off-shoot streets. The beach offers an ocean to cool down in on a hot day, a terrific sunset view for a romantic dinner, or a place to play volleyball and other games on the sand with your family and friends. You can also bike and enjoy a ride on the strand or, if driving, you can find one of the spots at the many parking meters nearby.

Location:400-500 The StrandManhattan Beach, CA 90266(310) 399-8471

Bruce’s BeachBruce’s “Beach” is technically a park that is situated on the sloping grassy hillside leading down to Manhattan’s beach area. The oldest park site in Manhattan Beach, it includes park benches, a small basketball half-court, and a lot of trees and shady areas to enjoy the view that you’ll be facing. It’s one of the prime spots to watch a South Bay sunset.

Of all the great South Bay weekends and events during the year, the signature Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is easily among the most enjoyable. The fair offers a little bit for everyone while still managing to keep the feel of a hometown event that promotes the best of the community.

The annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair takes place on October 5-6 and again offers activities for the entire family. The activities include game booths where you can test your skills, more than 200 arts & crafts booths that feature many unique artist vendors, a free speech area for political groups and non-profit organizations, and the very popular Kid Country with returning attractions like pony rides and a petting zoo.

For many, the main attractions at the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair are the food booths and the beer garden. The amazing food selection from the booths on both Dorsey and Live Oak Fields include everything one could imagine, many of which are listed here. The beer garden, located at the North end of the fairgrounds on Dorsey Field, is also a highlight. Friends, neighbors and visitors alike congregate under the sun from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you’re a newbie, this review from the 2012 fair will give you an idea of what to expect.

There is also plenty of music at the fair, including the annual battle of the bands on the main stage near the beer garden where six bands will vie for the title. Along with a second stage, there is continuous music being played throughout both days of the fair. Here is this year’s schedule.

Thankfully, since beach parking is at such a premium even on a normal weekend, the fair offers free parking and shuttles that run every 15 minutes throughout both days of the fair. Check the official website for exact shuttle hours and locations.

Keep in mind the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is organized by an all-volunteer, non-profit board of directors, and all profits benefit the community. For fair updates and photos of past celebrations, check out their Facebook page.

Most people think sun and palm trees, but Southern California has fall foliage too! Beautiful garden trees brighten up our cities with their vibrant autumn colors. Keep an eye out for these beauties from October to January.

The Ginkgo tree is the first one that comes to mind with its large oak-like trunk. This tree turns from a luscious green to a brilliant yellow/gold color all at once. Expect to see this beauty around Christmas time as it makes a golden carpet of leaves on the ground. Here's a look at these golden beauties: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/394065036116100724/

The Chinese Pistache is also a California favorite. Most of the year this tree goes un noticed. The Pistache really comes to life in autumn with its orange, yellow, and red leaves. Check out the array of colors it produces: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/251709066647280783/

The Japanese Maple and the Japanese Persimmon bring us fall coloring and delicious fruit. The Japanese Maple is a strong tree that can tolerate more sun and heat. Choose from a variety of colors, the Japanese Maple steals the show. It’s sister, the Japanese Persimmon may not be as luscious and beautiful, but it bears the delicious persimmon fruit. This tree is perfect for Halloween because of its bare branches and orange fruit, which resemble hanging pumpkin lanterns. If you want to take trip to enjoy the foliage in person this year, Southern California's best places are typically: Temecula, Mt. Laguna and Julian. Of course if you are willing to make the trek to Yosemite you'll find some wold-class autumn scenery there.

The Alpine Village is a little slice of Bavaria transplanted right into the heart of sunny Southern California.

The home of the biggest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California, The Alpine Village plays many roles, as part restaurant and bierhall, part event center, part nightclub, and part import food market. Needless to say, there is a lot to do, see and eat at The Alpine Village.

The restaurant and bierhall, dubbed the Alpine Village Inn, is truly a step back in time. Open six days a week for a casual dinner, stop by for some standard German fare – sausages, schnitzels, potatoes – and live entertainment on most nights. The highlight of the week is the Sunday Champagne Brunch, where you can sample the menu and create your own omelet for $20 while enjoying bottomless champagne.

What The Alpine Village is most known for is its annual Oktoberfest celebration. While it doesn’t exactly feel like you’re in Munich, the eight-week celebration has been going on for more than 45 years and was chosen by USA Today as one of the best Oktoberfests in the World. The bands are flown in from Germany, traditional German food is available and several types of beer from Warsteiner and Konig Ludwig are on tap.

You can even bring your own stein to drink out of! The party is loud and crowded, but that’s exactly what you should expect. What is lesser known is that The Alpine Village houses an authentic European bakery, a butcher shop making fine sausages and an import grocery featuring other imported products.

If you’re looking for anything German and authentic that you can’t find anywhere else, you will likely find it here. If you pay a visit to The Alpine Village, you will likely find yourself browsing one of the number of quaint little shops, where you will find much more than you would ever expect, from clocks and antiques to collectible children’s books.

South Bay has a little something to offer for everyone. Whether you are new in town or want to explore your own city, here is a list of 10 things you must do while in the South Bay area.

1) The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa BeachOpened in 1978, this place is known as a “Shrine to Comedy”. Such comics like Ray Romano, Jerry Seinfeld, and Daniel Tosh from Tosh.0 have all hosted and called this place home. Jay Leno is a frequent of The Comedy and Magic Club every Sunday night at 7pm.

2) Manhattan Beach Post RestaurantWorld-renowned chef, David LeFevre, serves up some of the best-reviewed culinary cuisine in the area, located just one block from the Manhattan Beach Pier. The rustic menu consists of small-shared plates and handcrafted cocktails. From the Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits to the Truffle Honey Laced Fried Chicken you will not leave hungry or disappointed.

3) South Bay Farmers MarketsPurchase the freshest produce from local farmers six days out of the week. You can find farmers markets all over the South Bay area, check out which location is closest to you.Farmers Market Schedule

4) K1 Go Kart RacingLocated in the heart of South Bay, K1 Go Kart Racing offers you an adrenalin rush on their indoor racecourse. Compete head to head with family and friends on their electric go-karts taking you up to speeds of 60mph.

5) Abigaile Restaurant & BreweryOnce a church then turned rehearsal space for punk/hardcore bands, now restaurant and brewery. Abigaile is a communal gastropub in Hermosa. Offering up a unique and delicious cuisine with home brewed beer, this place still pays homage to its past with its eclectic rock n roll bar décor.

6) Point Vicente Lighthouse & Interpretive CenterThe second Saturday of every month the Lighthouse is open to the public with free admission. Climb the Lighthouse for 360 views or pack a picnic to enjoy next to the ocean.

7) Hang Gliding at the BeachAt the Dockweiler State Beach in El Segundo you can meet with Joe Greblo of Windsports to learn the art of hang gliding. Just after 20 min of instruction you will be airborne with an instructor at your side the whole time to see views of South Bay.

8) Terranea Resort Whether it's just to feel like you are away from it all on this lush coastline resort setting, get a round of golf in on its oceanfront fairways or to take in the culinary variety at its numerous restaurants, Terranea Resort is a lovely place to spend the day.

9) Frascati TrailCheck out this fun easy hiking trail just off Palos Verdes Drive East. Get in touch with your adventurous side and explore the small waterfall just off the Frascati trail.

10) Catalina IslandTake the Catalina Express from Long Beach to Catalina Island for a fun day trip. With 30 daily departures, explore the shops and restaurants on this rocky island with just an hour long boat ride from Long Beach.

In 1992, South Bay residents with professions in business, horticulture and landscape design got together with a local organization called V.O.I.C.E. (Volunteers and Organizations Improving the Community’s Environment).Concern over the environment brought them together, and they came up with an idea of how to teach resource conservation to the community in a fun and positive way. Their creation was the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden.The Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden is an educational tool in the community to build awareness and solutions for sustainable gardening techniques that use the California native plants in a pursuit to conserve our natural resources. A non-profit public education organization, they provide tours, classes, volunteer opportunities and Sunday bird walks, in addition to the free garden that anyone can enjoy for free from dusk until dawn.Take a tourTo learn more about the Garden and organization, tours are offered per request. Individuals can receive a tour during our Friday work day between 9:30 am and 11:30 am or group tours can be arranged for other times.VolunteerFriday morning 9:30-11:30 amTake a classSome classes have included “Success with succulents,” “How to compost the garden,” and “Sustainable Landscaping.” See their website for the most up to date schedules.Sunday Bird WalksDuring the last three years over 130 different bird species have been recorded in Polliwog Park. Learn to ID these birds by sight and sound.Enjoy wildlifeBecause MBBG incorporates only water-wise plants including many CA natives, and practices Earth-friendly gardening prohibiting chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides, it has earned a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation by the National Wildlife Federation. Different birds, insects and other critters can be seen.Location: 1236 N. Peck Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA(West of Polliwog Park)Check the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden’s website for more information.

If you feel like getting a taste of nature and a little bit of exercise without the time and energy it takes to get to popular hiking trails, then the George F. Canyon Preserve & Nature Center might be just your speed. Located on 36 picturesque acres in Rolling Hills Estates, the Preserve & Nature Center is a serene setting nestled in one of the most pristine canyons on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. While it’s more of a nature walk than a hike, a two-mile loop trail follows a small stream through a native habitat of Arroyo Willow trees. The trail only ascends 400 feet, but on a clear day you capture views of the entire Los Angeles basin. Inside the Nature Center, which overlooks a restored native garden, visitors can learn all about the plants, animals, insects and natural history of the canyon, plus get a close-up look at a few of the reptiles and amphibians that live nearby. The center has a variety of programs and events, including lectures, family activities, science programs, summer programs, bird walks and full moon night hikes. For a calendar of events and activities, click here. The Nature Center is open Fridays 1-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and other days by appointment for birthday parties and special events. George F. Canyon Preserve and Nature Center 27305 Palos Verdes Dr E, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90275 Phone: 310-547-0862www.pvplc.org

Widely known as the "largest arts & crafts fair in Southern California," the bi-annual Fiesta Hermosa has been produced by the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce since 1972. Painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and handicrafters gather to feature and sell their arts and crafts. The festival takes place each Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), and draws event goers with the diversity of its art vendors set against the backdrop of the picturesque Hermosa Beach Pier and ocean.

Festival goers can enjoy live music on two stages through the event. The Main Stage features entertaining tribute bands, playing your favorite classic rock hits from bands such as Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Phil Collins, Fleetwood Mac, and Crosby Stills Nash & Young. Original music artists perform music genres of all types including Rock n’ roll, zydeco, country western, and rhythm and blues on the Charity Beer & Wine Garden Stage.

All that art and music is bound to work up an appetite. The Festival Hermosa food court boasts 18 different ethnic food choices. Everything is delicious – from roasted corn to Thai, Greek, and Mexican food, to tri-tip sandwiches and barbequed sausages, to the Hermosa Beach Lifeguards’ famous fish tacos. Handmade guacamole, crepes, and shaved ice creations are also popular with the crowd.

The popular Charity Beer & Wine Garden features many different brews of beers, a selection of wines, margaritas, and icy coolers served by town “celebrities”, including the mayor, city councilmen, and non-profit organizations such as the Rotary, Kiwanis, HB Education Foundation, and other civic organizations. All proceeds are returned to the participating organizations for their good works in the community.

If it's rides the kids are after, head to the Kiddie Carnival where they'll be impressed by a 30 foot slide, mechanical rides, rock climbing wall and bungee jump, and games for kids from 3 to 10 years old. Pony rides, a Petting Zoo, and facepainters are sure to delight the little ones!

Among the hidden gems of the South Bay is Angel's Gate Park, a breezy hilltop sanctuary that is the home to the Korean Bell of Friendship, one of the largest bells in the world.

A gift from the Republic of Korea to the American people in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial, the Korean Bell of Friendship would be a unique sight anywhere in the world. The 17-ton, 12-foot high work of art, made of copper and tin, has a diameter of 7 ½ feet and an average thickness of eight inches. The Daily Breeze looked back at its history, including how it took 30 craftsmen 10 month to build the Korean temple that houses the bell.

The chance to actually hear the bell will take some timing. It is struck just five times a year on New Year's Eve, Korean American Day (January 13), the Fourth of July, Korean Liberation Day (August 15) and every September in celebration of Constitution Week.

It was also rung on Sept. 18, 2001, a week after the attacks on the World Trade Center, and again on the first anniversary in a special memorial ceremony.

The backdrop to the Korean Bell of Friendship is perhaps one of the most breathtaking views in all of Southern California. Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy the open, grassy space and don't forget a camera to capture the views overlooking Point Fermin Park, the ocean and on a clear day the Catalina Islands. You will also be able to gaze up at the many kites likely to be in air, taking advantage of the ocean breezes.

There is plenty of parking at Angel's Gate Park, which also includes a playground for kids and basketball courts. Visit theDepartment of Recreation & Park for more information, or check out what Yelpers shared about their experience visiting the Korean Bell of Friendship.

A visit to the Hermosa Beach Historical Society Museum is like taking a small step back in time, and is quite likely the best way to learn about the history of the historic beachside community. The museum, housed in the West end of the Hermosa Beach Community Center at Pier Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway and operated by the Hermosa Beach Historical Society, was established in 1987 to preserve and chronicle the history of the community. It does just that with more than 3,000 items on display that represent the history and culture of Hermosa Beach. The museum’s collection includes photographs, postcards, newspapers and artifacts, much of it devoted to the portraying the beach and surf culture of a city founded in 1907. Along with an extensive array of photos and a detailed account of the history of early Hermosa Beach, the museum’s exhibits include objects like building cornerstones, signs and traffic lights and displays that highlight the development of real estate, local transportation and entertainment icons. With its focus on local culture, the museum has a Beach Culture room devoted to artifacts and photographs relating to ocean activities. Anchored by an authentic lifeguard tower, the collection includes surfboards, skateboards, wet suits and beach cruisers. There is also a photographic look back at local landmarks, including the Hermosa Beach Pier and the Surf & Sand Club. Admission to the Hermosa Beach Historical Society Museum is free, and the doors are open from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and 2-4 p.m. on the weekends. 710 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Phone: 310-318-9421 hermosabeachhistoricalsociety.org